Scents & Sensibilities

by Aftel, Mandy

• ISBN13: 9781586857387
• ISBN10: 158685738X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-06-17
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith

Summary

Discover the profound effects of natural aromas on emotional well-being, from relieving stress to enhancing sensuality. Renowned perfumer Mandy Aftel, who has created custom scents for Kate Hudson and Madonna, shares her secrets to creating personalized handmade solid perfumes through step-by-step instructions and helpful photographs.

Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

A Brief History of Solid Perfume

Natural Essences

Equipment & Supplies

Creating Solid Perfumes

Resources

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

People have used solid perfumes to soothe the psyche, entice a lover, transform an intimate environment, enliven the spirit and recall a precious memory. Solid perfume, a portable form of perfume, can be transported easily; even secretly carried on the body in a pendant, charm or ring. One of the ingenious aspects of solid perfumes is that you can keep it close at hand take it with you without worrying about it spilling. It is easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase, or backpack. Oil based perfume is combined with melted wax and then poured into a container where it solidifies. The perfume's salve-like texture invites you to run your fingers across it. The experience of applying it is earthy and sensual, an sensation completely different from spraying a cologne or dabbing a liquid perfume. Often housed in small and beautiful containers that grow more precious and treasured with use. It has a long history of bringing well-being, comfort, protection, allure and pleasure to people. Much like an early form of aromatherapy in Ancient Egypt, solid perfumes were used for treatment as well as pleasure. Because of its portability, it is easily incorporated into your life to soothe you in situations where you are stressed or anxious. Smoothing solid perfume on your skin immediately brings you pleasure and a sense of well-being that is both soothing and pampering. It will scent only you, not the environment around you. Applying solid perfume is a discrete, quiet pleasureful ritual in your life: the sensuality of rubbing your fingers across it, the pleasure of smelling and applying the fragrance. The feeling in the hand of the beautiful container increases one's sense of individuality and pleasure. When you have used up the perfume, instead of throwing the case away, as is done with most cosmetics, you can simply refill it with a new perfume. Then your attachment is not only to the perfume but to the case as well.